Mayor Bloomberg Vows to Appeal Judge's Decision to Invalidate New York City Soda Ban

The Five reacted to the news that a New York City judge has invalidated Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s ban on large, sugary drinks. The ban on sugary drinks over 16 ounces was set to go into effect on Tuesday, March 12. The law was aimed to address obesity, but various groups went to court to challenge the proposed law and claimed it was an infringement on liberty.

Justice Milton Tingling ruled, “It is arbitrary and capricious because it applies to some but not all food establishments in the city. It excludes

other beverages that have significantly higher concentrations of sugar sweeteners and/or calories.”

“This judge should run for mayor.” Eric Bolling said. “It proves we can push back against these bullies. […] Can we get this judge or these judges to take down [NY Governor] Cuomo’s gun laws and call them ‘arbitrary and capricious’ too.”

Greg Gutfeld called it a “victory” for businesses including grocery stores and bodegas in New York who were going to lose money. “The sodas are just part of this giant remaking of society because they think we are stupid and we can’t take care of ourselves.”

Bloomberg stood by the ban, saying the city will appeal the judge’s decision. “The best science tells us that sugary drinks are a leading cause of obesity. Some people say just talk about the problem, raise awareness, […] but it’s not enough to talk and it’s not enough to hope. We have a responsibility as human beings to do something.”